Torn between 2013 S4 and 2012 S5
 

Test drove both yestderday - love the V8 power on the 2012 S5 but like the practicality and updated look of 2013 S4. Can anyone who recently purchased either car give me your impressions? I need help on this one folks! Should I even waste my time testing the new BMW 335I?

The sports differential seems to be a popular option. Is it really worth it?

I'm in Canada: What's a "fair" price on the 2013 S4 premium model? I need a starting point for the hagling.

Thanks, all!!

Left a BMW V8 for the 2012 S4...miss the sound of the 8, but not the extra weight..especially what it would be in the S5.

I do have the sport diff - and would definately recommend it

I think I can help. My previous car was an 07 335i and the car before that was a B6 S4 with the 4.2 v8 engine that is in the S5. The 2012 s5 is a really great car held back by a very ordinary gas guzzling engine. The 335i IMHO, is a better car than the s5 just because of the engine. The S4 is a much better car than the 335i and the engine gives it a big advantage over the 12 s5 coupe. Now if you're talking about the '13 s5 that's a completely different story. That car has the best features of all(ignoring the funky grille).

Test drove the 335i and xi sport model. They are both very nice, but not as good as the S4 in many little areas that add up to a lot in the end.

Audi vs BMW in AWD = Audi
Audi vs BMW in interior = Audi
Audi vs BMW with tires = Audi RFT's on BMW's stink no matter how much they like to claim otherwise.
Audi vs BMW acceleration = Audi much smoother transmission

There are many more and all these are little advantages here and there, but an equally equipped BMW vs Audi will run almost the same and just drives better imo. I am trading in my X3 tomorrow for a 2013 S4.

It totally depends if you need 4 doors or not. Go with the 2013 S5 if you don't need the practicality. It is one of the nicest looking cars < 100k.

As for the sports differential you need to drive one with it, and one without it. It is a must have in my opinion.

You DO NOT want the V8
You DO want the V6
you DO want the sport diff

Problem solved, you're welcome.

look at 2013 S5 too. has 3.0T engine.

Bruce

AGREE! But you can get any B8 S4 with the above plus the B8 S5 convertible, plus the '13 B8 S5 Coupe

Thanks, folks. This definitely helps narrow things down. BUT, a couple of the posts now have me thinking about the 2013 S5! I guess at this point it's a matter of personal preference, unless someone tells me there's a noticeable performance difference between the two. At this point, I'm pretty sure I'm gunning for a 2013 model with sports diff and most of the convenience/interior options.

The only real difference between the 2013 S4 and S5 will be the cost differential of the S5, the lack of 2 rear doors and the offsets of the wheels.